Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: John's Testimony Concerning Him

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John the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, provides a profound and theological testimony concerning Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John. His account is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels, emphasizing the divine nature and pre-existence of Christ, as well as His role as the incarnate Word of God.

The Word Made Flesh

John begins his Gospel with a powerful declaration of Jesus' divine nature: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This opening verse establishes the eternal existence of Jesus, identifying Him as the Logos, a term that conveys both reason and creative order. John asserts that Jesus was not only with God from the beginning but was indeed God Himself, emphasizing the unity and distinction within the Godhead.

The incarnation is central to John's testimony: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). This verse highlights the miraculous event of God taking on human form, living among humanity, and revealing His glory. John emphasizes that Jesus is the unique Son of God, full of grace and truth, who came to reveal the Father to mankind.

The Lamb of God

John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in John's Gospel, identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This title underscores Jesus' sacrificial role, foreshadowing His atoning death on the cross. John the Baptist's testimony affirms Jesus' mission to redeem humanity from sin, aligning with the Old Testament sacrificial system and prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Signs and Miracles

John's Gospel is structured around seven miraculous signs that reveal Jesus' divine authority and identity. These signs, including turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), healing the sick (John 4:46-54), and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44), serve to authenticate Jesus' claims and inspire belief in Him as the Christ, the Son of God. John records these miracles to demonstrate that Jesus possesses power over nature, illness, and even death, affirming His divine nature.

The "I Am" Statements

A unique feature of John's Gospel is the series of "I Am" statements made by Jesus, which echo the divine name revealed to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). These declarations include "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), and "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). Each statement reveals a different aspect of Jesus' identity and mission, emphasizing His role as the source of spiritual sustenance, guidance, and eternal life.

The Good Shepherd

In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the "good shepherd" who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). This metaphor highlights Jesus' protective and sacrificial nature, contrasting Him with hired hands who abandon the flock. The imagery of the shepherd reflects Old Testament themes of God's care for His people and underscores Jesus' commitment to His followers, even unto death.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" . This statement encapsulates the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. Jesus presents Himself as the sole path to salvation, embodying truth and offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.

The High Priestly Prayer

John 17 records Jesus' high priestly prayer, in which He intercedes for His disciples and all future believers. Jesus prays for unity, sanctification, and the revelation of God's glory through His followers. This prayer reflects Jesus' intimate relationship with the Father and His desire for His followers to experience the same unity and love.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection

John's account of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate victory over sin and death. Jesus' declaration, "It is finished" (John 19:30), signifies the completion of His redemptive work. The resurrection, witnessed by Mary Magdalene and the disciples, confirms Jesus' divine authority and the promise of eternal life for believers.

John's testimony concerning Jesus Christ presents a rich theological portrait of the Savior, emphasizing His divine nature, sacrificial mission, and the transformative power of His life, death, and resurrection. Through his Gospel, John invites readers to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to experience the abundant life He offers.

Nave's Topical Index

John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Doubts of John the Baptist in his Imprisonment. --His Message to ...
... John the Baptist had now languished in prison for ... In the testimony which he gave
to Christ, just before ... obscured by the public manifestation of Jesus as Messiah ...
/.../section 135 doubts of john.htm

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
... the Spirit.2. He heard the voice of the Father, which convinced him that Jesus was
the ... John was not only to prepare the people to receive Christ by calling ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xx johns first testimony to.htm

First Ministry in Jud??a --John's Second Testimony.
... that Jesus was the Messiah; for it was concerning these two things that John had
given his testimony], I am not the Christ, but, that I am sent before him.29 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxv first ministry in judaeajohns.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... JESUS RETURNS THROUGH SAMARIA TO GALILEE.--THE ... Doubts of John the Baptist in his ... His
Message to Christ, and its Result.--Christ's Testimony concerning Him. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/

John's Recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.
... the Christian view, which sees in Christ the erchomenos announced by John, was
involuntarily ... recognized the Messiahship of Jesus, and introduced him ...
/.../section 41 johns recognition of.htm

The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ...
... The Friday of John's first pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God, which taketh ... The
Sabbath of John's last personal view and testimony to Christ is symbolic ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the twofold testimony.htm

John's Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John
... me,' bears so forcibly on the divinity of Christ; but we may mark the principle
on which John's superiority to ... It is that nearness to Jesus makes greatness. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/johns doubts of jesus and.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... How the Baptist Answers the Question of the Pharisees and Exalts the Nature of Christ. ...
Comparison of John's Testimony to Jesus in the Different Gospels. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

The Law of the New Kingdom
... seemed about to be renewed, when Jesus, calling them ... own mind." Rom.14:12, 5. In
Christ's kingdom there ... his latest days the burden of John's testimony to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 60 the law of.htm

Concerning the Centurion's Faith the Raising of the Widow's Son. ...
... Jesus is the Christ of the Creator. ... Far greater still is his perverseness when, not
being the Christ of John, [4168] he yet bestows on John his testimony ...
/.../chapter xviii concerning the centurions faith.htm